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The Deal Maker
When the maid of honor and the best man fabricate a romance to keep the peace, the only thing they can’t fake are the sparks.
Lucy Jones is tired of being the “other sister.” Elizabeth is the golden child—beautiful, serene, and engaged to the perfect man. Lucy? She’s thirty, single, and still dodging her mother’s digs about how she never quite measures up. But when Elizabeth names Lucy as her maid of honor, she vows her sister’s wedding will be her grand rebrand. She’ll prove she’s polished, sophisticated, and totally in control.
Enter Hunter Bain. Best man. Business bro. Walking scowl emoji. Also the rudest, most aggravating man Lucy has ever met—and her new partner in planning the joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend. Fantastic. Because nothing says “reinvent yourself” like clashing with a man who thinks party planning is beneath him.
From drunken disasters to shenanigans on Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy and Hunter can’t stop butting heads. Until one impulsive lie forces them to pretend they’re dating. It’s supposed to be temporary. It’s supposed to be fake. But every lingering glance, every stolen kiss, every unexpected laugh makes it harder to remember what’s real and what’s not.
Full of sharp banter, slow-burn tension, and laugh-out-loud chaos, The Deal Maker is a swoony enemies-to-lovers rom-com about messy families, fake relationships, and finding love when you least expect it.
Lucy Jones is tired of being the “other sister.” Elizabeth is the golden child—beautiful, serene, and engaged to the perfect man. Lucy? She’s thirty, single, and still dodging her mother’s digs about how she never quite measures up. But when Elizabeth names Lucy as her maid of honor, she vows her sister’s wedding will be her grand rebrand. She’ll prove she’s polished, sophisticated, and totally in control.
Enter Hunter Bain. Best man. Business bro. Walking scowl emoji. Also the rudest, most aggravating man Lucy has ever met—and her new partner in planning the joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend. Fantastic. Because nothing says “reinvent yourself” like clashing with a man who thinks party planning is beneath him.
From drunken disasters to shenanigans on Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy and Hunter can’t stop butting heads. Until one impulsive lie forces them to pretend they’re dating. It’s supposed to be temporary. It’s supposed to be fake. But every lingering glance, every stolen kiss, every unexpected laugh makes it harder to remember what’s real and what’s not.
Full of sharp banter, slow-burn tension, and laugh-out-loud chaos, The Deal Maker is a swoony enemies-to-lovers rom-com about messy families, fake relationships, and finding love when you least expect it.
Audible Audio
Published March 17, 2026
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About the author
Louise Bay
77 books7,586 followersInternational and USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes spicy contemporary romance novels, mainly about guys in suits (that always come off).
Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry meets Abbey Jimenez when she grows up.
Louise loves the rain, London, Bravo, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne. In. That. Exact. Order.
She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!
Ruined by the bonk-busters of the eighties, Louise was inspired by Judith Krantz and Jackie Collins, but wants to be Emily Henry meets Abbey Jimenez when she grows up.
Louise loves the rain, London, Bravo, hanging out with her kid, elephants and champagne. In. That. Exact. Order.
She loves to hear from readers so get in touch!
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Did Not Finish
March 27, 2026Hacía tiempo que no leía algo de Louise Bay, y como estoy con una prueba de Kindle Unlimited, me dije «voy a probar qué cosas está escribiendo ahora».
Resultado: me aburría y entonces a partir del 15 % más o menos leí como la décima parte del libro, saltando aquí y allá. Realmente, no lo acabé. O es que yo no estoy ahora en sintonía con este tipo de libros o es que realmente es mala novela.
Contemporánea relatada en estilo NA, ambientada en NY y Boston, gente rica y guapa. La hermana de Lucy se va a casar con el socio y amigo de Hunter. Les toca a ellos organizar la despedida de solteros. Gran parte de la novela trata de temas de bodas, que me interesan menos que cero. Se supone que es enemies porque se llevan fatal desde el minuto uno. No me extraña, a mí también Lucy me pondría nerviosa. Les ví muy poca chispa de la que, a mi juicio, requiere ese tópico. A veces, en algún momento, Hunter sí que decía o hacía alguna cosa inspirada pero... Chicas, la narración NA mata todo el misterio. Habrá alguna escena spicy, bien escrita. Pero vaya, que eso no redime el tedio general que me produjo.
Por temas familiares (padres muy poco positivos que, de manera bastante verosímil, no cambian), cada uno es como es:
Lucy Empeñada en que todo sea perfecto, y acomplejada por la excelencia personificada que, según ella, es su hermana.
Hunter Trabajando más horas de lo que es sano, y desconfiando de si su amigo no le dejará tirado con todo el curro.
Arco personal: 1) que ella aprenda a valorarse más y progresar en la vida; 2) que él descubra que en la vida hay más cosas que el trabajo y que no todo el mundo le va a traicionar.
Lo dicho, no lamento haber dejado de leer a Louise Bay. Un ejemplo más de por qué no debo estar en KU. Pierdo el tiempo con libros que no compraría (ni, por tanto, leería) a su precio real.
Resultado: me aburría y entonces a partir del 15 % más o menos leí como la décima parte del libro, saltando aquí y allá. Realmente, no lo acabé. O es que yo no estoy ahora en sintonía con este tipo de libros o es que realmente es mala novela.
Contemporánea relatada en estilo NA, ambientada en NY y Boston, gente rica y guapa. La hermana de Lucy se va a casar con el socio y amigo de Hunter. Les toca a ellos organizar la despedida de solteros. Gran parte de la novela trata de temas de bodas, que me interesan menos que cero. Se supone que es enemies porque se llevan fatal desde el minuto uno. No me extraña, a mí también Lucy me pondría nerviosa. Les ví muy poca chispa de la que, a mi juicio, requiere ese tópico. A veces, en algún momento, Hunter sí que decía o hacía alguna cosa inspirada pero... Chicas, la narración NA mata todo el misterio. Habrá alguna escena spicy, bien escrita. Pero vaya, que eso no redime el tedio general que me produjo.
Por temas familiares (padres muy poco positivos que, de manera bastante verosímil, no cambian), cada uno es como es:
Lucy Empeñada en que todo sea perfecto, y acomplejada por la excelencia personificada que, según ella, es su hermana.
Hunter Trabajando más horas de lo que es sano, y desconfiando de si su amigo no le dejará tirado con todo el curro.
Arco personal: 1) que ella aprenda a valorarse más y progresar en la vida; 2) que él descubra que en la vida hay más cosas que el trabajo y que no todo el mundo le va a traicionar.
Lo dicho, no lamento haber dejado de leer a Louise Bay. Un ejemplo más de por qué no debo estar en KU. Pierdo el tiempo con libros que no compraría (ni, por tanto, leería) a su precio real.
May 4, 2026
This was a fun read
March 17, 2026
The Deal Maker had a completely different beginning than I thought it would.
Lucy and Hunter have never met but as the Best Man and MOH at an upcoming wedding they are supposed to coordinate their efforts in planning a joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend and it's obvious they are like oil and water.
Lucy's sister, the bride, has very clear desires and expectations for the celebration and Lucy can't imagine letting her down but Hunter is making the planning very difficult!
After delivering him an ultimatum, Hunter manages to deliver on his promises. Yay!
What starts as a fake relationship quickly changes and the development of Lucy and Hunter's romance is equal parts bewildering and karma.
They are so sweet together and very supportive of each other, each understanding the burdens the other carries and the reason those burdens are so heavy.
I loved the way Hunter understood Lucy so well and admired the insight she had to Hunter's dilemma showing that Hunter and Lucy were strangely, considering their beginning, meant to be together and work at making their lives together fulfilling.
This novel made me scream in frustration, laugh at absurdities, swoon at gestures and cry at injustice.
The Deal Maker was a great way to spend a late winter weekend in front of a warm fire. Undoubtedly another winner from Louise Bay.
Lucy and Hunter have never met but as the Best Man and MOH at an upcoming wedding they are supposed to coordinate their efforts in planning a joint bachelor/bachelorette weekend and it's obvious they are like oil and water.
Lucy's sister, the bride, has very clear desires and expectations for the celebration and Lucy can't imagine letting her down but Hunter is making the planning very difficult!
After delivering him an ultimatum, Hunter manages to deliver on his promises. Yay!
What starts as a fake relationship quickly changes and the development of Lucy and Hunter's romance is equal parts bewildering and karma.
They are so sweet together and very supportive of each other, each understanding the burdens the other carries and the reason those burdens are so heavy.
I loved the way Hunter understood Lucy so well and admired the insight she had to Hunter's dilemma showing that Hunter and Lucy were strangely, considering their beginning, meant to be together and work at making their lives together fulfilling.
This novel made me scream in frustration, laugh at absurdities, swoon at gestures and cry at injustice.
The Deal Maker was a great way to spend a late winter weekend in front of a warm fire. Undoubtedly another winner from Louise Bay.
April 15, 2026
For as many times as Bay used the word "Perfect" in this book, it was far from it. I've read her books before and they're usually pretty decent. But good lord these characters were not likable. The two sisters Elizabeth and Lucy behave like teenagers not like adults in any regard. Lucy's obsession with her perfect sister and making everything perfect for her is weird. Wanting things to be perfect for her wedding is understandable but the constant conversations revolving around how her sister is in fact perfect in every way while gets both old and concerning after a few chapters. Lucy is also bonkers for the first half of the book with appallingly immature comments and actions. Hunter is a giant man child who only has emotional depth because he had a business fail once. Then the big shift from hate to everlasting love happens at breakneck speed. The side characters are all kind of awful people with the exception of Ed, who is just as perfect as the perfect sister he's marrying. I don't know I just wasn't feeling it. The book annoyed rather than intrigued me. I know Bay can do better because I've read better from her. I hope these characters sail into the sunset never to return.
March 12, 2026
Obsessed! The Deal Maker by Louise Bay was a sweet and swoony fake dating romance that tugged at my heartstrings in all the best ways. I couldn’t get enough of Lucy and Hunter’s enemies-to-lovers explosive, steamy tension that made these two irresistible. I can always count on Louise Bay to deliver the heart and
the heat.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in dual narration. This audiobook is a prime example of why I love dual narration so much. Both Samantha's and Jason’s distinct character voices and nuanced performances make this such a fun, delightful listen. Samantha’s soft, sultry voice encompassed all of Lucy’s perfectionist and dedicated persona, layering her performance with the intricacies of Lucy’s complex relationships with her family and Hunter. Jason’s warm, growly tone showcased Hunter’s guarded, work-obsessed demeanor, slowly letting his walls down to reveal his true, swoon-worthy nature. Samantha and Jason created a magnetic chemistry that made their connection undeniable.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an enemies to lovers romance with a passionate maid of honor, a dedicated best man, perfectionist parents, drunken engagement parties, a joint bachelor/ bachelorette weekend at Martha’s Vineyard, one bed, new career opportunities, steamy first kisses, intimate conversations, fake dating, slow burn steam, standing up to your family, love declarations, and a HEA that will land the deal in your heart, then you will love Lucy and Hunter’s story. I always look forward to more from Louise Bay.
the heat.
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke perform this audiobook in dual narration. This audiobook is a prime example of why I love dual narration so much. Both Samantha's and Jason’s distinct character voices and nuanced performances make this such a fun, delightful listen. Samantha’s soft, sultry voice encompassed all of Lucy’s perfectionist and dedicated persona, layering her performance with the intricacies of Lucy’s complex relationships with her family and Hunter. Jason’s warm, growly tone showcased Hunter’s guarded, work-obsessed demeanor, slowly letting his walls down to reveal his true, swoon-worthy nature. Samantha and Jason created a magnetic chemistry that made their connection undeniable.
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an enemies to lovers romance with a passionate maid of honor, a dedicated best man, perfectionist parents, drunken engagement parties, a joint bachelor/ bachelorette weekend at Martha’s Vineyard, one bed, new career opportunities, steamy first kisses, intimate conversations, fake dating, slow burn steam, standing up to your family, love declarations, and a HEA that will land the deal in your heart, then you will love Lucy and Hunter’s story. I always look forward to more from Louise Bay.
March 31, 2026
I really liked Hunter. He was an awesome hero, most of the time. Lucy took a while to warm up to as she was too caught up on what her parents thought of her. Both H and H had crap parents which bought them together in the end. I liked the pace of this family heavy book. 2 sisters and 2 best friends/business partners. Overall an enjoyable read.
March 13, 2026
I’m always here for a story where the maid of honor and the best man get stuck planning the bachelor and bachelorette party together, especially when they absolutely cannot stand each other. It was so fun to watch the sarcastic banter and the obvious chemistry they were trying to ignore.
From the start, these two were basically set up for chaos by the bride and groom, and I loved every minute of it. What starts as a small lie about them pretending to be a couple slowly turns into something real. Lucy and Hunter brought out the best in each other, and their story had plenty of moments that made me smile along the way.
The Deal Maker was another great read by Louise Bay. And if you’re listening to the audiobook, Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor did such a great job bringing Lucy and Hunter to life.
From the start, these two were basically set up for chaos by the bride and groom, and I loved every minute of it. What starts as a small lie about them pretending to be a couple slowly turns into something real. Lucy and Hunter brought out the best in each other, and their story had plenty of moments that made me smile along the way.
The Deal Maker was another great read by Louise Bay. And if you’re listening to the audiobook, Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor did such a great job bringing Lucy and Hunter to life.
March 20, 2026
I read this story back when the wheel was square (okay, like the end of January lol) and then on release day I grabbed the audiobook because, obviously, and I just have one thing to say right now ...
I WAS NOT PREPARED for Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor!
Okay, two things ... It has been a very looooooooooong time since a story simultaneously made me laugh to the point of tears and cry to the point of sobs.
(i'll be back to adequately tell you about the greatness in these pages)
I WAS NOT PREPARED for Jason Clarke & Samantha Brentmoor!
Okay, two things ... It has been a very looooooooooong time since a story simultaneously made me laugh to the point of tears and cry to the point of sobs.
(i'll be back to adequately tell you about the greatness in these pages)
March 7, 2026
3.5 stars. The Deal Maker actually had more depth than expected, dealing with familial expectations and let downs and how it shapes you. Lucy is the “other” daughter, trying her best to change her family’s view of her while making her sister’s wedding activities PERFECT. Hunter is the best man whose sole focus is work and making sure he’s never put in a position to be seen as failing. With a bit of fake dating, growth, and spice, it’s a little insta-lovey but a sweet romance.
March 23, 2026
I really wanted to love this book, I was looking forward to it and everything. However, what I got was another disappointing, ok, story from Louise. The premise of the story and plot was good and the sex and spice was good, if only she made the characters more likable. I didn’t care for Katherine, her positivity was so annoying that it seemed fake. She felt too much like a Stepford wife and had her head in the clouds, everything is great mentality. Theres a such thing as being too positive compared to seeing the world from a half full perspective. It’s not overly positive, but it’s not doom and gloom either. It’s giving life is going well and I appreciate what I have, but sometimes things happen and we can’t control them vibes. It’s giving sometimes walking into the sunset with your love and this vision of who you have in mind doesn’t always work out. She has this vision in her head of sharing everything with Lucy and double dating. I didn’t like how she kept pushing her and Hunter to get along because I think that her essentially forcing them together is what annoyed both of them and what got them at each other’s throats. Her over positivity about them getting along bothered me because she kept pushing it and telling her how good looking he was, like Lucy didn’t already know that. She didn’t let them come together naturally or be attracted to each other naturally. As it was, it took them a while to even address that. They needed to talk to each other and get that desire flowing fluidly. Then, when they do finally explore that attraction even that didn’t seem natural to me because it was a complete 180 from when they first meet to then. It just felt too sudden. No one changes their mind that quickly. How can you go from verbal sparring to sweet words and desire? This bothered me too. Then, when I talk about Ed, he was ok. I got this aloof feeling from him and was siding with Hunter when he believed that he was losing focus because I believed he was too and was caught up in Katherine and the wedding. I got the sense that he wasn’t taking anything seriously. Then there was Lucy who was just plain annoying that I’ll go into in a moment. Hunter was the one I actually liked, until he started worrying too much about being a failure and needing to “step back” from him and Lucy’s relationship because he wanted to focus on his company. He also believed that Ed was going to slack off and leave him to the company and do all the work to make sure it doesn’t go down. Then when Ed suggested hiring more people so him and Hunter can have a good work life balance, he basically flips out, takes it completely differently than what Ed meant and pushes everyone away and buries himself in work. I just think no one was on the same page as this book which didn’t make it seamless. Everyone wanted someone to do something else and had a certain narrative for people to follow. Plus, everyone was just too sensitive to have a serious conversation about things they want. People’s feelings would get hurt and no one wanted to upset Ed and Katherine. They wanted to walk on eggshells around them except for Katherine and Lucy’s mother who couldn’t help but think of herself and insert her opinions on everything and constantly putting Lucy down. This book had a lot of negative energy and I’m not here for that. Lucy was controlling, demanding and held herself too accountable for everything. She thought if just one thing was off, it will upset Katherine and her mother. She got controlling because her mother is controlling and it just ends up not being good for her mental health. Lucy starts spiraling and getting more micro managing not even realizing that Hunter took care of the important things that she asked. He didn’t help her spiraling either by delaying telling her that he took care of the house and wigs for the joint bachelor and bachelorette party. I don’t know why Louise had him do that because it just brings up Lucy’s stress level and annoyance because she had a vision that she didn’t want to part or make adjustments on. I felt this was ridiculous because you have to make compromises and different suggestions sometimes if things don’t work out. You always have to have a plan B and C, some may even say to go even further with plans. Overall, if Louise made the characters more likable or relatable, this could have potentially been a 4 or 5 rating book. She embellished too much on one trait for each character and didn’t make them have multiple ones that stand out. You either get controlling, overly positive or nonchalant with some opinions. You can’t dive deep into a character when only one trait is explored. Each person has many nuances of a personality that can make them stand out and Louise didn’t do that with this book throughout the story. I wanted to like all of them but it just didn’t happen for me. I was tainted with what I got in the beginning of the book, so now me trying to like the characters doesn’t get redeemed and I’m stuck with this first impression I have of them that stays with me in the duration of the book. Lucy did improve by the end of the story but her antics in the beginning stuck around so I never fully got on her side or liked her. I hope her next standalone is better, I know that’s coming soon so hopefully it has what this one lacked.
April 4, 2026
Gonna start with the smallest issue I had and work my way up.
First: I have no idea why this is called "The Deal Maker". There are no deals happening in this story. Literally not a single one. Not professionally and not personally.
Second: a pet peeve.
Lucy keeps referring to the events leading up to her sister's wedding as her sister's last "single" blah blah. It's her last night as a single woman, her last party as a single woman, it's the last time she'll have a single sister.
Girl - your sister's NOT single. She's engaged. She had a boyfriend who, at some point, put a ring on it, and is now a fiancé. The last time Katherine was single was the day before she and Ed first got together and declared themselves an exclusive couple.
I CANNOT STAND people who insist they're single before they're officially married. You're not ready for marriage if that's your mindset. Going out on a bachelor's/ette party thinking like you're single is how you end up fucking a hooker in the back of a party bus and blowing your entire life to smithereens while also catching chlamydia.
Katherine and Ed aren't the cheating sort thankfully. They're disgustingly in love with each other, that's not the issue here. This is just a me issue but I couldn't go without addressing it because it pissed me off.
Three: let's talk about Hunter and Lucy.
Talk about a negative first impression...
We meet Hunter in chapter one, at some meet and greet (shower?) for his best friend's wedding. For seemingly NO good reason, he's upset that the dude's getting married and proceeds to get shitfaced like an hour in. Forcing our FMC to call him an Uber to drive him back to his hotel.
He grumbles a bit about how Ed getting married is going to change things and how he's working too much because Ed's got his head in the clouds, but it's definitely not a good excuse for him to get as drunk as he does.
And while I think Lucy's HATRED of the man is a bit extreme, I can definitely get on board with the dislike and mistrust. Because what the hell dude?
But it doesn't stop with him. He may be stressed out over work and the fact that Ed (the one getting married) is fucking useless at his job and leaving Hunter to pick up the slack, but Lucy's a literal neurotic psychopath with some of the biggest mommy issues I think I've ever seen. She's so worked up over hosting the PERFECT bachelor/ette party and is making every little inconvenience everybody else's problem.
Hunter calls her a demonic witch at one point and...bro's not wrong. I can't even be mad at him for it.
The woman's losing her mind over the fact that the blankets might not match and which brand of marshmallows are best.
No I am not kidding.
And her mother - hyper critical and kind of a dickbag - clearly has a golden child and it's not Lucy. Lucy has internalized this and is "trying to be perfect like her sister" the whole book and that means every time something teeny tiny doesn't go her way, it's DEFCON 1, everybody's gonna die, she's the worst, Hunter's a grade A asshole who nobody can rely on, her sister's wedding/party/life is gonna go up in flames and it's alllllll gonna be her fault - D. all of the above.
She's wound so tight, that by the time the two of them finally give into their feelings, I didn't really want them together because Lucy was driving me batshit bananas.
The first... 40% of this book was a shitshow. It was Lucy purposefully misunderstanding everything to do with Hunter in order to paint him in the worst light imaginable. It was her freaking out over even the tiniest detail and berating and calling Hunter names. It was her making up salacious lies and then forcing Hunter to go along with it because "it'll make my sister soOOOOooo happy!!!!!!"
I wasn't impressed with Hunter's drunken introduction. But he quickly won me over by just not being a psychotic little terrorist about everything ever.
Then, the back half of the book mellows out significantly, and we get to see that both Hunter and Lucy have parental issues. Him with his father, and her with her mom.
It's still annoying, but I'm a sucker for seeing people grow shiny new backbones and stand up to the tyrants who've lorded their wills over them for decades.
It's not perfect. But I always wish these kinds of characters would go further to put their awful parents in their place once and for all. Go nuclear. Completely demolish them. It'd be no less than they deserve for the way they treat them.
Alas, what we get is satisfying...enough.
But I can't only rate the half of the book I did actually sort of enjoy. I wasn't annoyed enough at any point to put the book down, but that's all the kudos this one's getting from me.
It's mostly just... fine. An entertaining, short read to fill an afternoon. We need half stars here on GR. Because this is really more like a 2.5. I'm just feeling generous.
First: I have no idea why this is called "The Deal Maker". There are no deals happening in this story. Literally not a single one. Not professionally and not personally.
Second: a pet peeve.
Lucy keeps referring to the events leading up to her sister's wedding as her sister's last "single" blah blah. It's her last night as a single woman, her last party as a single woman, it's the last time she'll have a single sister.
Girl - your sister's NOT single. She's engaged. She had a boyfriend who, at some point, put a ring on it, and is now a fiancé. The last time Katherine was single was the day before she and Ed first got together and declared themselves an exclusive couple.
I CANNOT STAND people who insist they're single before they're officially married. You're not ready for marriage if that's your mindset. Going out on a bachelor's/ette party thinking like you're single is how you end up fucking a hooker in the back of a party bus and blowing your entire life to smithereens while also catching chlamydia.
Katherine and Ed aren't the cheating sort thankfully. They're disgustingly in love with each other, that's not the issue here. This is just a me issue but I couldn't go without addressing it because it pissed me off.
Three: let's talk about Hunter and Lucy.
Talk about a negative first impression...
We meet Hunter in chapter one, at some meet and greet (shower?) for his best friend's wedding. For seemingly NO good reason, he's upset that the dude's getting married and proceeds to get shitfaced like an hour in. Forcing our FMC to call him an Uber to drive him back to his hotel.
He grumbles a bit about how Ed getting married is going to change things and how he's working too much because Ed's got his head in the clouds, but it's definitely not a good excuse for him to get as drunk as he does.
And while I think Lucy's HATRED of the man is a bit extreme, I can definitely get on board with the dislike and mistrust. Because what the hell dude?
But it doesn't stop with him. He may be stressed out over work and the fact that Ed (the one getting married) is fucking useless at his job and leaving Hunter to pick up the slack, but Lucy's a literal neurotic psychopath with some of the biggest mommy issues I think I've ever seen. She's so worked up over hosting the PERFECT bachelor/ette party and is making every little inconvenience everybody else's problem.
Hunter calls her a demonic witch at one point and...bro's not wrong. I can't even be mad at him for it.
The woman's losing her mind over the fact that the blankets might not match and which brand of marshmallows are best.
No I am not kidding.
And her mother - hyper critical and kind of a dickbag - clearly has a golden child and it's not Lucy. Lucy has internalized this and is "trying to be perfect like her sister" the whole book and that means every time something teeny tiny doesn't go her way, it's DEFCON 1, everybody's gonna die, she's the worst, Hunter's a grade A asshole who nobody can rely on, her sister's wedding/party/life is gonna go up in flames and it's alllllll gonna be her fault - D. all of the above.
She's wound so tight, that by the time the two of them finally give into their feelings, I didn't really want them together because Lucy was driving me batshit bananas.
The first... 40% of this book was a shitshow. It was Lucy purposefully misunderstanding everything to do with Hunter in order to paint him in the worst light imaginable. It was her freaking out over even the tiniest detail and berating and calling Hunter names. It was her making up salacious lies and then forcing Hunter to go along with it because "it'll make my sister soOOOOooo happy!!!!!!"
I wasn't impressed with Hunter's drunken introduction. But he quickly won me over by just not being a psychotic little terrorist about everything ever.
Then, the back half of the book mellows out significantly, and we get to see that both Hunter and Lucy have parental issues. Him with his father, and her with her mom.
It's still annoying, but I'm a sucker for seeing people grow shiny new backbones and stand up to the tyrants who've lorded their wills over them for decades.
It's not perfect. But I always wish these kinds of characters would go further to put their awful parents in their place once and for all. Go nuclear. Completely demolish them. It'd be no less than they deserve for the way they treat them.
Alas, what we get is satisfying...enough.
But I can't only rate the half of the book I did actually sort of enjoy. I wasn't annoyed enough at any point to put the book down, but that's all the kudos this one's getting from me.
It's mostly just... fine. An entertaining, short read to fill an afternoon. We need half stars here on GR. Because this is really more like a 2.5. I'm just feeling generous.
March 16, 2026
4
I received this book a few months back and almost forgot about it until it's time to review. I'd never read anything by the author before but she'd been on my reading list for a couple of years now, so I was really excited when this became available to request. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for that.
I was expecting a light read given the time crunch - and don't get me wrong, it was an easy page-turner - but this delivered more. I don't think the title and cover are fully accurate and make it seem like this is just run-of-the-mill, tropey romance. Yes, it has the usual tropes, because it's still a romance book, but the themes are heavier... at least for me. The synopsis didn't give anything away either. I personally wouldn't check this book out just going by the cover because it's giving porn without plot, which it really is not.
I felt seen reading it. The beginning's quite cliche but then I got to the part of meeting her parents and extended family and then it hit way too close to home. I needed to read this and how the main leads (plus her sister) navigated and worked out that dynamic. I'm at a point in my life where like the FMC, I need to be a big girl and stand up and move on. The romantic relationship itself was also really mature, the emphasis on trust and respect were there, and they tackled their joint and separate issues head-on. These people actually talked to each other like grown adults and found the solution almost immediately. No unnecessary miscommunication here. Loved that. It never felt too sappy or unrealistic. It's just life.
I don't know much about Jane Austen as I haven't revisited her works as a person with fully developed frontal lobe, but I loved the references to her and her writing scattered throughout this. And this one I think I'll revisit in a few years too.
I received this book a few months back and almost forgot about it until it's time to review. I'd never read anything by the author before but she'd been on my reading list for a couple of years now, so I was really excited when this became available to request. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for that.
I was expecting a light read given the time crunch - and don't get me wrong, it was an easy page-turner - but this delivered more. I don't think the title and cover are fully accurate and make it seem like this is just run-of-the-mill, tropey romance. Yes, it has the usual tropes, because it's still a romance book, but the themes are heavier... at least for me. The synopsis didn't give anything away either. I personally wouldn't check this book out just going by the cover because it's giving porn without plot, which it really is not.
I felt seen reading it. The beginning's quite cliche but then I got to the part of meeting her parents and extended family and then it hit way too close to home. I needed to read this and how the main leads (plus her sister) navigated and worked out that dynamic. I'm at a point in my life where like the FMC, I need to be a big girl and stand up and move on. The romantic relationship itself was also really mature, the emphasis on trust and respect were there, and they tackled their joint and separate issues head-on. These people actually talked to each other like grown adults and found the solution almost immediately. No unnecessary miscommunication here. Loved that. It never felt too sappy or unrealistic. It's just life.
I don't know much about Jane Austen as I haven't revisited her works as a person with fully developed frontal lobe, but I loved the references to her and her writing scattered throughout this. And this one I think I'll revisit in a few years too.
March 23, 2026
Hunter and Lucy are exactly the combative, contemptuous couple banter that I love. From their very first interaction, there are sparks, angry and full of disdain. Their banter lights up the page. Seeing them go from ‘I hate you’ to ‘I hate that I don’t hate you’ was so much pure entertainment. The bicker, they spar, and they can’t keep away from each other. From fake dating to very real feelings, these two annoy resist the draw but what makes them best is that they make each other be better. They listen and they upbuild and that is what they are both lacking. This story is light, fun and delightfully romantic. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry.
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor give great banter. They are fun, fully engrossed in their character and have fabulous chemistry. The way they play off each other in banter is next level.
Jason Clarke and Samantha Brentmoor give great banter. They are fun, fully engrossed in their character and have fabulous chemistry. The way they play off each other in banter is next level.
March 20, 2026
The Deal Maker
They met by being related to, or being Best friends to someone close to them. The back and forth banter between these two was unreal. Their dislike for each other was off the charts, until it wasn't, lol. This story has humor, drama, attraction and dealing with a horrible mother issue. But overcoming how said mother treats Lucy, compared to her sibling is so unreal, unsettling and downright abusive. Beautiful story ❤️.
They met by being related to, or being Best friends to someone close to them. The back and forth banter between these two was unreal. Their dislike for each other was off the charts, until it wasn't, lol. This story has humor, drama, attraction and dealing with a horrible mother issue. But overcoming how said mother treats Lucy, compared to her sibling is so unreal, unsettling and downright abusive. Beautiful story ❤️.
February 5, 2026
This book took me out of my reading slump so fast! Louise bay just have a way with words. If you want something light,fast,and you can read in a day or two. Definitely try this out. Or any of Louise bay’s books. You can’t be disappointed.
March 26, 2026
I'm a fan of Louise Bay and this book did not disappoint. The characters were very likable and once I got to know them, I really rooted for them to make it work. The spice was really good, too! I look forward to reading my next book by Louise Bay.
Thanks to Louise Bay, the publisher, and Goodreads Giveaways for the book.
Thanks to Louise Bay, the publisher, and Goodreads Giveaways for the book.
March 31, 2026
I love books that are wedding themed!
April 12, 2026
4 STARS
My first Louise Bay book BUT IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST!!
(alc review) - OUT NOW
My first Louise Bay book BUT IT WILL NOT BE MY LAST!!
(alc review) - OUT NOW
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lucy Jones is the perennial "other sister" to her golden-child sibling, Elizabeth, who is currently busy being perfect and engaged to a man who is also perfect. In a desperate bid for a "grand rebrand," Lucy decides her sister’s wedding is the ideal stage to prove she is actually a polished, functioning adult and not the family disappointment her mother loves to highlight.
Naturally, this involves co-planning a bachelor/bachelorette weekend with Hunter Bain—a "business bro" who is essentially a walking scowl emoji with a bank account. After an impulsive lie traps them in a fake relationship on Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy has to figure out if she’s actually rebranding herself or just failing upward into a romance she didn't see coming.
😊 YAY for
• Lucy’s eventual spine-growing moment where she finally bins her mother’s toxic expectations
• A polished, easy-to-digest writing style that makes for a very quick read
• The Martha's Vineyard setting which provided a nostalgic, atmospheric backdrop for the wedding festivities
🤔 NAY for
• The instant lust from the MMC (he was "instantly intrigued" in a way that felt like a shortcut through the tension I actually enjoy)
• A protagonist who is genuinely difficult to like or even tolerate during the first half of the book
• The jarring "vibes" shift at the halfway mark; the transition from intense dislike to "all in" felt less like growth and more like a narrative shortcut
🌟 Petra’s Comments & Notes for the Author
There is a solid foundation here regarding messy family dynamics, and the "rebrand" trope carries real narrative potential within a high-stakes social setting. However, the execution felt like a tale of two entirely different books. I struggled with the first third—where the characters felt more abrasive than "feisty"—and I found the sudden pivot at the halfway point to be quite jarring.
Rather than a steady emotional escalation, the "vibes" shift felt like a wave of a magic wand, leaving the romance feeling unearned. While I appreciated Lucy finally finding her voice against her infuriating mother, the relationship lacked the necessary friction to make the payoff feel like an "ache." It’s a pleasant, low-stakes read for those who enjoy a cozy HEA, but it lacked the complex, slow-burn development I look for in an enemies-to-lovers arc.
Thank you to NetGalley, Louise Bay, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
_____
N'artro insta!lust dove lui fella first... Che palle, ho imboccato na sfilza. Poso e migro su altro per ora, potrei essere ignobilmente caustica.
Naturally, this involves co-planning a bachelor/bachelorette weekend with Hunter Bain—a "business bro" who is essentially a walking scowl emoji with a bank account. After an impulsive lie traps them in a fake relationship on Martha’s Vineyard, Lucy has to figure out if she’s actually rebranding herself or just failing upward into a romance she didn't see coming.
😊 YAY for
• Lucy’s eventual spine-growing moment where she finally bins her mother’s toxic expectations
• A polished, easy-to-digest writing style that makes for a very quick read
• The Martha's Vineyard setting which provided a nostalgic, atmospheric backdrop for the wedding festivities
🤔 NAY for
• The instant lust from the MMC (he was "instantly intrigued" in a way that felt like a shortcut through the tension I actually enjoy)
• A protagonist who is genuinely difficult to like or even tolerate during the first half of the book
• The jarring "vibes" shift at the halfway mark; the transition from intense dislike to "all in" felt less like growth and more like a narrative shortcut
🌟 Petra’s Comments & Notes for the Author
There is a solid foundation here regarding messy family dynamics, and the "rebrand" trope carries real narrative potential within a high-stakes social setting. However, the execution felt like a tale of two entirely different books. I struggled with the first third—where the characters felt more abrasive than "feisty"—and I found the sudden pivot at the halfway point to be quite jarring.
Rather than a steady emotional escalation, the "vibes" shift felt like a wave of a magic wand, leaving the romance feeling unearned. While I appreciated Lucy finally finding her voice against her infuriating mother, the relationship lacked the necessary friction to make the payoff feel like an "ache." It’s a pleasant, low-stakes read for those who enjoy a cozy HEA, but it lacked the complex, slow-burn development I look for in an enemies-to-lovers arc.
Thank you to NetGalley, Louise Bay, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
_____
N'artro insta!lust dove lui fella first... Che palle, ho imboccato na sfilza. Poso e migro su altro per ora, potrei essere ignobilmente caustica.
April 9, 2026
Quite possibly the absolute worst book I ever did not finish. Got to 15% and suffered enough. Way too much about Jane Austen and her books. I understand having side stories in books, but good Lord, this was over the top.
To say the FMC was unhinged is an understatement. She goes batshit psycho on the MMC for no reason.
#1 The MMC is standing in line at a sandwich shop waiting his turn to place his order and he’s scrolling thru emails on his phone while he waits. The FMC sees him in line and shrieks at him asking what is he doing there wasting time reading emails when he should be finding the beach house needed for the joint bachelor/bachelorette party.
#2. The FMC is at a bar with her friend when she spots the MMC there also. He’s there with clients for a business meeting but the FMC assumes he’s out with friends. Once again she acts like a lunatic and goes up to him and shrieks at him about wasting time at the bar when he’s supposed to be finding the beach house rental.
The FMC and the MMC are both planning the joint bachelor/bachelorette party so why is she putting it all on him to find the beach rental??? She’s not doing a single thing.
The FMC is all about wanting to make the party the best thing ever for her sister, but she’s insufferable. We get it, Lucy. You want Katherine to be happy….FFS, WE GET IT.
When I clicked on Return to Kindle Unlimited, I really was hoping for a Burn Digital Copy instead because no one should have to suffer through this book. Where were the author’s editor, publisher, friends?? Someone should have given a tough love review before it was released.
To say the FMC was unhinged is an understatement. She goes batshit psycho on the MMC for no reason.
#1 The MMC is standing in line at a sandwich shop waiting his turn to place his order and he’s scrolling thru emails on his phone while he waits. The FMC sees him in line and shrieks at him asking what is he doing there wasting time reading emails when he should be finding the beach house needed for the joint bachelor/bachelorette party.
#2. The FMC is at a bar with her friend when she spots the MMC there also. He’s there with clients for a business meeting but the FMC assumes he’s out with friends. Once again she acts like a lunatic and goes up to him and shrieks at him about wasting time at the bar when he’s supposed to be finding the beach house rental.
The FMC and the MMC are both planning the joint bachelor/bachelorette party so why is she putting it all on him to find the beach rental??? She’s not doing a single thing.
The FMC is all about wanting to make the party the best thing ever for her sister, but she’s insufferable. We get it, Lucy. You want Katherine to be happy….FFS, WE GET IT.
When I clicked on Return to Kindle Unlimited, I really was hoping for a Burn Digital Copy instead because no one should have to suffer through this book. Where were the author’s editor, publisher, friends?? Someone should have given a tough love review before it was released.
March 21, 2026
This book was pretty excruciating to get through at times. Lucy was insufferable. She was up her sister’s ass the entire book. It took her and Hunter approximately 2 minutes into their fake relationship to actually fall for each other. It was a shorter book so that was a plus, but it was way too corny for me.
March 17, 2026
DNF. I rolled my eyes through the first 9 chapters. I can’t even call the fmc a people pleaser.. she was unreasonably high strung and made it everyone else’s problem. She was borderline psychotic. MMC wasn’t much better. He withheld important info that would’ve made the FMC chill out. These two should’ve been sent back to elementary school to learn how to work together. My breaking point was her having a tantrum meltdown at him at the airport (bc he was withholding more info), being confronted by the perfect sister, and responding “I’m FINE we’re DATING”. Girl. What?!
I’ve enjoyed Louise Bay before!
I’ve enjoyed Louise Bay before!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2026
The Deal Maker is a new standalone novel featuring Best Man, Hunter, and Maid of Honor, Lucy, as they try to be civil while planning the joint bachelor and bachelorette party together.
Hunter grew up knowing that he would take over the family business from his father. When the time finally came, he was excited. But that excitement quickly wore off. His father had kept secrets from him. The outcome would end up shaking Hunter's confidence and straining an already tenuous relationship.
Lucy has grown up trying to be everything her parents want, but failing. She has never received true love, affection or encouragement from them. Instead, she has watched as her sister, Catherine, receives all of the accolades while being relegated as the family disappointment.
So as the Maid of Honor, Lucy is determined to make the joint bachelor and bachelorette party the best ever. But it will require the cooperation of the Best Man, Hunter.
Hunter and Lucy meet for the first time at the engagement party, where he has imbibed a little too much. Obviously, this relationship is not off to a great start. But she does not know yet that he is the devil she has been tied to for the next three weeks.
Hunter has no idea what he is in for by having to work with Lucy on the party. He is preoccupied with work and is not putting any effort into it. But she is not having any of this. She gives him one task to take care of. And she is micromanaging him. She is a taskmaster and expects things to get done.
So when the day of the party comes, Lucy is stressed. She has so much on her to do list to make this the best event ever, she has forgotten how to have fun. Enter Hunter to relieve some of this self-imposed stress.
But Hunter's idea leads to them now having to spend an entire weekend together. And pretend to be together together. How will they manage to pull this off? She wants to smother him in his sleep and he thrives on goading her. A match made in heaven? Oh yeah.
But things start to change for these two. Lucy and Hunter start talking. Getting to know each other. Becoming "friends". Considering the Groom is Hunter's best friend and the Bride is Lucy's sister, it is for the best if they get along.
Hunter sees the way Lucy's mother belittles her at every turn. Watching Lucy trying to measure up in everything she does to make her mother happy. He sees how wound tight she is because of all of this. And yet, she never measures up to her mother's expectations.
Lucy sees how Hunter is trying to deal with what happened in the past and how it feels like it is happening again. His fears of yet another failure, and the lack of control to prevent it.
These two listen to each other. They see things the other does not. Even after the weekend is over, they continue getting together. Obviously things progress. But until the past is laid to rest, for both of them, nothing will ever work between these two.
Will Lucy take a chance and jump at the opportunity that is being handed to her? Will Hunter resolve his issues with his father? Will these two find their way back to each other? Will they continue down the same road they have been on for years?
This is a classic Best Man and Maid of Honor story. But the underlying issues are so different. They are driving the trajectories of both of their lives, separate and together. But do you know how hard it is to confront the demons from your past? Status quo is always easier, but not always better.
I loved seeing how close Catherine and Lucy are in this story. I love that they can openly discuss how differently their mother treats each of them. And how unfair it is. I love that Catherine has Lucy's back and supports her in all of her decisions. Everyone needs their one ride or die person.
Hunter and Ed are best friends, but they do not appear as close as I thought they would. Hunter is stressed over having to cover for Ed during the wedding planning activities. He fears that Ed will basically walk away from their business. He is afraid of failing yet again. Yet Ed has not seen any of this.
I loved seeing Jack Alden and Fisher, from the Colorado Club Billionaires series, appear in this story. It is always fun to see familiar characters cross over.
I would love to see a future book for Lucy and Hunter, say ten years later. I really want to know what happens, how their lives are going.
I freaking love Samantha Brentmoor, so listening to her voice Lucy was such a joy. She handled her decisive, taskmaster role and her softer, more vulnerable role. Jason Clarke is always a dream to listen to. I love his voice and he was a perfect fit for Hunter.
Hunter grew up knowing that he would take over the family business from his father. When the time finally came, he was excited. But that excitement quickly wore off. His father had kept secrets from him. The outcome would end up shaking Hunter's confidence and straining an already tenuous relationship.
Lucy has grown up trying to be everything her parents want, but failing. She has never received true love, affection or encouragement from them. Instead, she has watched as her sister, Catherine, receives all of the accolades while being relegated as the family disappointment.
So as the Maid of Honor, Lucy is determined to make the joint bachelor and bachelorette party the best ever. But it will require the cooperation of the Best Man, Hunter.
Hunter and Lucy meet for the first time at the engagement party, where he has imbibed a little too much. Obviously, this relationship is not off to a great start. But she does not know yet that he is the devil she has been tied to for the next three weeks.
Hunter has no idea what he is in for by having to work with Lucy on the party. He is preoccupied with work and is not putting any effort into it. But she is not having any of this. She gives him one task to take care of. And she is micromanaging him. She is a taskmaster and expects things to get done.
So when the day of the party comes, Lucy is stressed. She has so much on her to do list to make this the best event ever, she has forgotten how to have fun. Enter Hunter to relieve some of this self-imposed stress.
But Hunter's idea leads to them now having to spend an entire weekend together. And pretend to be together together. How will they manage to pull this off? She wants to smother him in his sleep and he thrives on goading her. A match made in heaven? Oh yeah.
But things start to change for these two. Lucy and Hunter start talking. Getting to know each other. Becoming "friends". Considering the Groom is Hunter's best friend and the Bride is Lucy's sister, it is for the best if they get along.
Hunter sees the way Lucy's mother belittles her at every turn. Watching Lucy trying to measure up in everything she does to make her mother happy. He sees how wound tight she is because of all of this. And yet, she never measures up to her mother's expectations.
Lucy sees how Hunter is trying to deal with what happened in the past and how it feels like it is happening again. His fears of yet another failure, and the lack of control to prevent it.
These two listen to each other. They see things the other does not. Even after the weekend is over, they continue getting together. Obviously things progress. But until the past is laid to rest, for both of them, nothing will ever work between these two.
Will Lucy take a chance and jump at the opportunity that is being handed to her? Will Hunter resolve his issues with his father? Will these two find their way back to each other? Will they continue down the same road they have been on for years?
This is a classic Best Man and Maid of Honor story. But the underlying issues are so different. They are driving the trajectories of both of their lives, separate and together. But do you know how hard it is to confront the demons from your past? Status quo is always easier, but not always better.
I loved seeing how close Catherine and Lucy are in this story. I love that they can openly discuss how differently their mother treats each of them. And how unfair it is. I love that Catherine has Lucy's back and supports her in all of her decisions. Everyone needs their one ride or die person.
Hunter and Ed are best friends, but they do not appear as close as I thought they would. Hunter is stressed over having to cover for Ed during the wedding planning activities. He fears that Ed will basically walk away from their business. He is afraid of failing yet again. Yet Ed has not seen any of this.
I loved seeing Jack Alden and Fisher, from the Colorado Club Billionaires series, appear in this story. It is always fun to see familiar characters cross over.
I would love to see a future book for Lucy and Hunter, say ten years later. I really want to know what happens, how their lives are going.
I freaking love Samantha Brentmoor, so listening to her voice Lucy was such a joy. She handled her decisive, taskmaster role and her softer, more vulnerable role. Jason Clarke is always a dream to listen to. I love his voice and he was a perfect fit for Hunter.
March 19, 2026
When it comes to billionaire romance, author Louise Bay does it best.
Her characters always have a down-to-earth quality that endears them to me and makes them worthy of finding the love of their life. Hunter Bain is such a man, but he took his sweet time showing that side of himself. When he and Lucy Jones first met, it was, quite honestly, like oil and water. These two did not mix well, and their incompatibility made for hilarious listening. I was provided an early copy of the audiobook, and I loved hearing the voices of Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke in this dual-narration book. Their voices lent themselves beautifully to the characters and enhanced my listening pleasure. I am often astounded by how narrators can voice both males and females, and these two always do it perfectly.
I loved how the story centered around a wedding and all the preparations that come with that. It gave Hunter and Lucy many opportunities to be together and brought an air of love to many chapters. Of course, having the added element of billionaire status made for some amazing events. I also liked how the author snuck a couple of her characters from other books into The Deal Maker. It was subtle, but I noticed how Fisher and Jack made their way to the pages.
In this story, Lucy, the bride-to-be's sister, is trying to be the best maid of honor ever. The pressure she feels to get everything perfect for both her sister and her mother plays a big part in the storyline and adds to Lucy's stress. When Lucy is paired with the best man, Hunter, in trying to bring all of her sister's dreams come true, she has a built-in punching bag to let out her aggravation. The shots she takes and the sarcasm that flies are downright hilarious and absolutely make the first part of this book. Their mutual dislike for each other is part of the amazing chemistry between them, and I couldn't wait to see how they would eventually leave all the hostility behind them.
Lucy has been dubbed less-than in her mother's eyes, and she is often reminded of her inadequacies. It seems Lucy can never get anything right, from the clothes she wears, to her hair, to her job, and even where she lives. The more Lucy tries to gain her mother's approval, the more disappointed and filled with self-doubt she becomes.
Hunter has his own share of self-doubt and stress over not being successful. He and Lucy have an understanding of each other, and the ease with which they can talk and see each other for who they really are had me melting. It may not have seemed possible for these two to figure things out, but in Louise Bay fashion, they do it in spades.
The Deal Maker takes Lucy and Hunter on their own journeys of self-discovery, while they each help the other see past their doubts to their real potential. It is a wonderful journey that had me glued to my earbuds. It is a different type of story for Louise Bay, and I loved this slightly edgier writing style. I hope to see more of it in the future.
I loved how the story centered around a wedding and all the preparations that come with that. It gave Hunter and Lucy many opportunities to be together and brought an air of love to many chapters. Of course, having the added element of billionaire status made for some amazing events. I also liked how the author snuck a couple of her characters from other books into The Deal Maker. It was subtle, but I noticed how Fisher and Jack made their way to the pages.
In this story, Lucy, the bride-to-be's sister, is trying to be the best maid of honor ever. The pressure she feels to get everything perfect for both her sister and her mother plays a big part in the storyline and adds to Lucy's stress. When Lucy is paired with the best man, Hunter, in trying to bring all of her sister's dreams come true, she has a built-in punching bag to let out her aggravation. The shots she takes and the sarcasm that flies are downright hilarious and absolutely make the first part of this book. Their mutual dislike for each other is part of the amazing chemistry between them, and I couldn't wait to see how they would eventually leave all the hostility behind them.
Lucy has been dubbed less-than in her mother's eyes, and she is often reminded of her inadequacies. It seems Lucy can never get anything right, from the clothes she wears, to her hair, to her job, and even where she lives. The more Lucy tries to gain her mother's approval, the more disappointed and filled with self-doubt she becomes.
Hunter has his own share of self-doubt and stress over not being successful. He and Lucy have an understanding of each other, and the ease with which they can talk and see each other for who they really are had me melting. It may not have seemed possible for these two to figure things out, but in Louise Bay fashion, they do it in spades.
The Deal Maker takes Lucy and Hunter on their own journeys of self-discovery, while they each help the other see past their doubts to their real potential. It is a wonderful journey that had me glued to my earbuds. It is a different type of story for Louise Bay, and I loved this slightly edgier writing style. I hope to see more of it in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.25 Stars✨
3 Spices🌶️
After the last page, this book left me contemplating for quite a while. All I can say, though, is that The Deal Maker sneaks up on you. This story will hit you hard if you understand the thorns it pokes at, just like a lot of other family drama stories I've read. The lengthy shadow created by controlling parents and manipulative upbringing, however, is easy to see even if you don't share these similar life scenarios. It's not via physical confrontations or yelling fights, but rather through the burdens we're left to bear.
The Deal Maker explores issues of self-worth, sacrifice for others, and insecurity in this heartwarming romantic novel.
The story revolves around Lucy Jones and Hunter Bain, who pretend to be engaged in a relationship while planning the wedding of Lucy's sister and Hunter's best friend, even though they dislike each other.
Hunter and Lucy are both complex characters. Despite his success as his company's co-CEO, Hunter is still cautious, afraid of failing, and generally cynical of everyone. And we know why.
Lucy struggles with self-doubt and constantly seeks approval and validation from her parents, particularly her mother, in an attempt to be just as perfect as her sister. Her bright personality and smiles are contagious from the outside. However, she finds it difficult emotionally to cope with her family's manipulation, mockery, and disdain. Simply said, I'm relieved that her sister is not one of them.
Their relationship was obviously an intricate dance of chaos and desire from the beginning. However, this couple's shared understanding, compassion, and vulnerability have allowed for self-discovery as they spend more time together. Undoubtedly, Lucy and Hunter are ideal for one another when you consider the intense chemistry they exude during their intimate times.
In addition to creating a book that is incredibly intimate, real, and sympathetic to its characters, Louise Bay also masterfully captured the intricacy of how life experiences—such as betrayal, humiliation, and manipulation—shape who we become as adults.
You become immersed in the story from the first page to the epilogue because of how naturally and effortlessly it develops, leaving you thinking and feeling both hopeful and worried for the characters.
At its core, The Deal Maker is essentially about believing in what makes us feel alive, dreaming big and working for these dreams, trial and error, and striving for our own happiness, in addition to being a story about trust, perseverance, and courage to live by our own rules.
It additionally functions as a reminder of how love may transform us into the best versions of ourselves for one another.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Louise Bay, Montlake, and Netgalley for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
3 Spices🌶️
After the last page, this book left me contemplating for quite a while. All I can say, though, is that The Deal Maker sneaks up on you. This story will hit you hard if you understand the thorns it pokes at, just like a lot of other family drama stories I've read. The lengthy shadow created by controlling parents and manipulative upbringing, however, is easy to see even if you don't share these similar life scenarios. It's not via physical confrontations or yelling fights, but rather through the burdens we're left to bear.
The Deal Maker explores issues of self-worth, sacrifice for others, and insecurity in this heartwarming romantic novel.
The story revolves around Lucy Jones and Hunter Bain, who pretend to be engaged in a relationship while planning the wedding of Lucy's sister and Hunter's best friend, even though they dislike each other.
Hunter and Lucy are both complex characters. Despite his success as his company's co-CEO, Hunter is still cautious, afraid of failing, and generally cynical of everyone. And we know why.
Lucy struggles with self-doubt and constantly seeks approval and validation from her parents, particularly her mother, in an attempt to be just as perfect as her sister. Her bright personality and smiles are contagious from the outside. However, she finds it difficult emotionally to cope with her family's manipulation, mockery, and disdain. Simply said, I'm relieved that her sister is not one of them.
Their relationship was obviously an intricate dance of chaos and desire from the beginning. However, this couple's shared understanding, compassion, and vulnerability have allowed for self-discovery as they spend more time together. Undoubtedly, Lucy and Hunter are ideal for one another when you consider the intense chemistry they exude during their intimate times.
In addition to creating a book that is incredibly intimate, real, and sympathetic to its characters, Louise Bay also masterfully captured the intricacy of how life experiences—such as betrayal, humiliation, and manipulation—shape who we become as adults.
You become immersed in the story from the first page to the epilogue because of how naturally and effortlessly it develops, leaving you thinking and feeling both hopeful and worried for the characters.
At its core, The Deal Maker is essentially about believing in what makes us feel alive, dreaming big and working for these dreams, trial and error, and striving for our own happiness, in addition to being a story about trust, perseverance, and courage to live by our own rules.
It additionally functions as a reminder of how love may transform us into the best versions of ourselves for one another.
Receiving a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was an honour, and I'm presenting my candid opinion based on my own experience. I am eternally grateful to Louise Bay, Montlake, and Netgalley for entrusting me with reading this book beforehand.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This standalone read is a good read that I enjoyed from start to finish.
This story started as an enemies to lovers tale that quickly went to an explosive attraction. Lucy is helping her sister with her wedding planning and has been put in charge of the combined bachelor and bachelorette festivities with the best man, Hunter. She has always been viewed by her difficult mother as a disappointment who can do nothing right and when she was tasked with the party planning she felt that it must be a perfect affair. She takes an over the top drive to make the party one that her sister, who has always supported her, one that will be remembered and one of her sister's dreams. The only problem is the best man and co-planner.
Hunter is thrown together with Lucy to plan his friend's bachelor party event and has no desire to do so. He is worried that after already having one failed business that if he devotes the time needed to assist Lucy he will miss something that needs his attention not to mention that he has also taken on more of his friend's workload as well while he prepares to get married. He doesn't understand the dynamic of Lucy's family until he gets to experience the 'awesomeness' of Lucy's mother. He becomes protective of her while also attracted to her as well.
Once this pair gives into their attraction things become explosive. Their chemistry is off the charts and their feelings for each other grow despite neither one of them admitting it to themselves until things implode between them. Can this pair work through their issues??
The plot of this story moved along well and I enjoyed the story. The some of the characters I have mixed feelings over - Lucy determined to be perfect for her mother despite never being able to please the difficult woman. I despise her father for allowing the blatant favoritism between his children on the part of his wife and not saying anything regarding the downright mental abuse the woman displays towards Lucy. I thought at times that Lucy's sister who is always portrayed as perfect was a little over the top and had some unreal expectations that people would drop everything for her wedding and did nothing to dissuade Lucy of some of her over the top expectations for the party that she was tasked with. She too needed to stand up to her mother regarding the treatment of Lucy as well as how she had constant expectations that Lucy and Hunter would be together and had everything already planned out for the pair. As for Hunter, he is portrayed as the hard working businessman what throws himself into work. He touched on his issues with his failed business venture that he got from his father but it isn't really revealed until the end of the book the details pertaining to that and almost as an after thought since it had to be tied up in order for Hunter to find his HEA. I also don't get where this is really a "Deal Maker' type story so the title confused me a little. Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the story but these are some of my stumbling blocks on the way.
In this end this is a good read that I did really enjoy and would recommend to others.
This story started as an enemies to lovers tale that quickly went to an explosive attraction. Lucy is helping her sister with her wedding planning and has been put in charge of the combined bachelor and bachelorette festivities with the best man, Hunter. She has always been viewed by her difficult mother as a disappointment who can do nothing right and when she was tasked with the party planning she felt that it must be a perfect affair. She takes an over the top drive to make the party one that her sister, who has always supported her, one that will be remembered and one of her sister's dreams. The only problem is the best man and co-planner.
Hunter is thrown together with Lucy to plan his friend's bachelor party event and has no desire to do so. He is worried that after already having one failed business that if he devotes the time needed to assist Lucy he will miss something that needs his attention not to mention that he has also taken on more of his friend's workload as well while he prepares to get married. He doesn't understand the dynamic of Lucy's family until he gets to experience the 'awesomeness' of Lucy's mother. He becomes protective of her while also attracted to her as well.
Once this pair gives into their attraction things become explosive. Their chemistry is off the charts and their feelings for each other grow despite neither one of them admitting it to themselves until things implode between them. Can this pair work through their issues??
The plot of this story moved along well and I enjoyed the story. The some of the characters I have mixed feelings over - Lucy determined to be perfect for her mother despite never being able to please the difficult woman. I despise her father for allowing the blatant favoritism between his children on the part of his wife and not saying anything regarding the downright mental abuse the woman displays towards Lucy. I thought at times that Lucy's sister who is always portrayed as perfect was a little over the top and had some unreal expectations that people would drop everything for her wedding and did nothing to dissuade Lucy of some of her over the top expectations for the party that she was tasked with. She too needed to stand up to her mother regarding the treatment of Lucy as well as how she had constant expectations that Lucy and Hunter would be together and had everything already planned out for the pair. As for Hunter, he is portrayed as the hard working businessman what throws himself into work. He touched on his issues with his failed business venture that he got from his father but it isn't really revealed until the end of the book the details pertaining to that and almost as an after thought since it had to be tied up in order for Hunter to find his HEA. I also don't get where this is really a "Deal Maker' type story so the title confused me a little. Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the story but these are some of my stumbling blocks on the way.
In this end this is a good read that I did really enjoy and would recommend to others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
All that Lucy Jones wants is for her sister to have everything she wants. All Hunter Bain wants is to get through the wedding of his best friend and then get on with business as usual.
Lucy is the second daughter and thought of as the mess up in the eyes of her family. In reality she's a sweet, selfless, hardworking, mid-twenties woman who just wants to be "good" enough for everyone in her life.
Hunter wants to be seen as a successful business owner and he works hard to make sure the business he owns with Ed, doesn't fail like the company his father left to him was.
Both of these people are a little bit broken and in need of a little bit of a confidence boost. Lucy's mom is always the awful voice in her head (and out of it too) that keeps her back. Hunter doesn't trust himself, or anyone else and is terrified of failing.
I loved how when these two got together they saw each other clearly and then encouraged each other to have more confidence. Love didn't magically fix them, they were apart when they both learned to see clearly, and then they took steps to make themselves better. When they had done that, they came together and it was lovely.
I was so worried that this was going to be one of those books where the heroine's family is awful and that she wants to do anything to make her "perfect" sister's life amazing because that's what is expected of her. Lucy and Katherine's relationship was so cute. Lucy does want everything to be perfect for her, but that's just because Lucy loves her sister so much. I really think that it was mutual and they were united against their awful mom.
I was also worried that Ed would end up being a jackass but again I was pleasantly surprised that he too was just a good guy. He had a genuine friendship with Hunter. It was so refreshing to read that.
Aside from the awful family I really liked to the characters tried to communicate with each other. They admitted when they were wrong and no one was over dramatic.
I went in thinking this was a fake dating book, I'm happy to say that that part of the book is so small and it wasn't a quid pro quo arrangement. I've read a lot of those lately and am so burnt out on them.
I really think that it was a take on "Pride and Prejudice". Lucy's mother loves Jane Austen and tends to be a lot like Mrs. Bennett. Lucy and Hunter get off on the wrong foot but end up seeing how the behavior when they first met wasn't a true reflection of who they were. Once they saw each other clearly it was such a lovely love story. By the end they were full steam ahead, but it was still nice to see that they just decided to love each other and that they would work towards the ending they wanted to have.
I loved this one and gave it 5/5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lucy is the second daughter and thought of as the mess up in the eyes of her family. In reality she's a sweet, selfless, hardworking, mid-twenties woman who just wants to be "good" enough for everyone in her life.
Hunter wants to be seen as a successful business owner and he works hard to make sure the business he owns with Ed, doesn't fail like the company his father left to him was.
Both of these people are a little bit broken and in need of a little bit of a confidence boost. Lucy's mom is always the awful voice in her head (and out of it too) that keeps her back. Hunter doesn't trust himself, or anyone else and is terrified of failing.
I loved how when these two got together they saw each other clearly and then encouraged each other to have more confidence. Love didn't magically fix them, they were apart when they both learned to see clearly, and then they took steps to make themselves better. When they had done that, they came together and it was lovely.
I was so worried that this was going to be one of those books where the heroine's family is awful and that she wants to do anything to make her "perfect" sister's life amazing because that's what is expected of her. Lucy and Katherine's relationship was so cute. Lucy does want everything to be perfect for her, but that's just because Lucy loves her sister so much. I really think that it was mutual and they were united against their awful mom.
I was also worried that Ed would end up being a jackass but again I was pleasantly surprised that he too was just a good guy. He had a genuine friendship with Hunter. It was so refreshing to read that.
Aside from the awful family I really liked to the characters tried to communicate with each other. They admitted when they were wrong and no one was over dramatic.
I went in thinking this was a fake dating book, I'm happy to say that that part of the book is so small and it wasn't a quid pro quo arrangement. I've read a lot of those lately and am so burnt out on them.
I really think that it was a take on "Pride and Prejudice". Lucy's mother loves Jane Austen and tends to be a lot like Mrs. Bennett. Lucy and Hunter get off on the wrong foot but end up seeing how the behavior when they first met wasn't a true reflection of who they were. Once they saw each other clearly it was such a lovely love story. By the end they were full steam ahead, but it was still nice to see that they just decided to love each other and that they would work towards the ending they wanted to have.
I loved this one and gave it 5/5 stars.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 19, 2026
The Deal Maker by Louise Bay released on 3/17/26, Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! The Deal Maker is Louise Bay’s newest release. Whether or not it is part of a new series is unknown, but as of right now it doesn’t link to any other of her novels. I believe one of the side characters, Fisher, might be the Fisher from Love Deep. However, he only makes a brief cameo. What the future book holds for the other characters we will see. I was very thrilled to get an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this book. Audio is my jam. The narrators are Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke.
The Deal Maker is the story of Hunter and Lucy. Their love grows out of sarcasm, a little hate, and a lot of attraction. Lucy is in the midst of helping her sister, Katherine, plan her dream wedding when she is thrust into the orbit of Hunter, the best man, her soon to be brother in law’s best friend and business partner. It is immediately obvious that Katherine wants Lucy and Hunter to become a couple and be as happy as she and Ed. Hunter makes a less than stellar first impression on Lucy and she pretty much writes him off as a dick who may be handsome but will not be helpful to her in making sure her sister's bachelorette party goes off without a hitch.
Hunter and Lucy ultimately end up fake dating in order to keep her sister happy and not let on that they can’t stand each other. Despite their initial thoughts of each other they start spending more time together here and there and a bond beyond the fake starts to form. Both of these characters go through very strong character arcs. They both face some pretty unsettling things they have been holding in and ignoring. Each has a pretty unpleasant parent that plays a part in their stories.
As I mentioned previously, I was able to listen to an ALC of this book and I am so glad. I love to read but listening to audiobooks is my favorite. I love the fake dating trope, it’s one of my top three so I am always excited when one of my favorite authors takes it on. This story was narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke. They are two of the greats in romance narration. Brentmoor has a warm tone that is instantly likeable and Clarke is one of the swooniest male narrators around. They both brought great life to Lucy and Hunter’s story. Bay did a great job picking them for these roles. The narration was smooth and flawless. A highly recommended audiobook from me!
I am very excited to see what Bay has up her sleeve for her next story. I loved this one.
🩵Enemies to Lovers
🩵Fake Dating
🩵Slow Burn
🩵Grumpy/Sunshine
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Best Man x Maid of Honor
The Deal Maker is the story of Hunter and Lucy. Their love grows out of sarcasm, a little hate, and a lot of attraction. Lucy is in the midst of helping her sister, Katherine, plan her dream wedding when she is thrust into the orbit of Hunter, the best man, her soon to be brother in law’s best friend and business partner. It is immediately obvious that Katherine wants Lucy and Hunter to become a couple and be as happy as she and Ed. Hunter makes a less than stellar first impression on Lucy and she pretty much writes him off as a dick who may be handsome but will not be helpful to her in making sure her sister's bachelorette party goes off without a hitch.
Hunter and Lucy ultimately end up fake dating in order to keep her sister happy and not let on that they can’t stand each other. Despite their initial thoughts of each other they start spending more time together here and there and a bond beyond the fake starts to form. Both of these characters go through very strong character arcs. They both face some pretty unsettling things they have been holding in and ignoring. Each has a pretty unpleasant parent that plays a part in their stories.
As I mentioned previously, I was able to listen to an ALC of this book and I am so glad. I love to read but listening to audiobooks is my favorite. I love the fake dating trope, it’s one of my top three so I am always excited when one of my favorite authors takes it on. This story was narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke. They are two of the greats in romance narration. Brentmoor has a warm tone that is instantly likeable and Clarke is one of the swooniest male narrators around. They both brought great life to Lucy and Hunter’s story. Bay did a great job picking them for these roles. The narration was smooth and flawless. A highly recommended audiobook from me!
I am very excited to see what Bay has up her sleeve for her next story. I loved this one.
🩵Enemies to Lovers
🩵Fake Dating
🩵Slow Burn
🩵Grumpy/Sunshine
🩵Forced Proximity
🩵Best Man x Maid of Honor
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks NetGalley, Brillance Publishing and Louise Bay for this ALC copy of The Deal Maker, narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke.
It’s been a while since I have done a Louise Bay book and now, I’m thinking about all the books I need to go back and listen to. I love her writing! This book sucked me in right away with the storyline and characters.
Lucy’s sister is getting married and she’s the maid of honor. It’s her mission to make everything perfect for her perfect sister. Don’t get me wrong, Lucy loves her sister so much. However, in her mother’s eyes, Lucy is an after thought, the child that can’t do ANYTHING right. Lucy moved to New York to have her own life but constantly thinks about “if I do this or that, maybe they won’t think I’m a screw up and maybe I will be just as good as my sister”. My heart breaks for her several times throughout this book with just how awful her mom is to her.
Hunter is the best man / best friend / business partner of the groom. He’s put his all into their business. However, he feels now like his partner has become distracted because of his wedding and things to follow such as kids, will their business suffer. Hunter took on the family business right out of school that failed quickly, not because of him but the way his dad was running it. Even though it was not Hunter’s fault, his dad made everyone believe it was. Hunter feels like he has lots to prove putting in the longest days to try and make up for past fails.
These two live in the same city, work in buildings next door to each other but have never noticed each other before. Their first impression of each other at a party for the wedding is not a good one. They have been put in charge of planning the bachelor and bachelorette party. She wants everything perfect and it’s the last thing he wants to even talk/think about.
The bride and groom have high hopes for these two to become a couple. Hunter and Lucy put on a good show of liking each other. There’s lots of arguments till they get to the actual weekend of the party. That’s when it all changes and they start to see each other in a new way. Everything moves very quickly for these two but what a fun ride. The enemies to lovers is strong in this book!
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke (two of my favourite narrators) did such a great job bringing these characters to life! I love audiobooks so much for the fact it’s like a movie playing out in my head!
It’s been a while since I have done a Louise Bay book and now, I’m thinking about all the books I need to go back and listen to. I love her writing! This book sucked me in right away with the storyline and characters.
Lucy’s sister is getting married and she’s the maid of honor. It’s her mission to make everything perfect for her perfect sister. Don’t get me wrong, Lucy loves her sister so much. However, in her mother’s eyes, Lucy is an after thought, the child that can’t do ANYTHING right. Lucy moved to New York to have her own life but constantly thinks about “if I do this or that, maybe they won’t think I’m a screw up and maybe I will be just as good as my sister”. My heart breaks for her several times throughout this book with just how awful her mom is to her.
Hunter is the best man / best friend / business partner of the groom. He’s put his all into their business. However, he feels now like his partner has become distracted because of his wedding and things to follow such as kids, will their business suffer. Hunter took on the family business right out of school that failed quickly, not because of him but the way his dad was running it. Even though it was not Hunter’s fault, his dad made everyone believe it was. Hunter feels like he has lots to prove putting in the longest days to try and make up for past fails.
These two live in the same city, work in buildings next door to each other but have never noticed each other before. Their first impression of each other at a party for the wedding is not a good one. They have been put in charge of planning the bachelor and bachelorette party. She wants everything perfect and it’s the last thing he wants to even talk/think about.
The bride and groom have high hopes for these two to become a couple. Hunter and Lucy put on a good show of liking each other. There’s lots of arguments till they get to the actual weekend of the party. That’s when it all changes and they start to see each other in a new way. Everything moves very quickly for these two but what a fun ride. The enemies to lovers is strong in this book!
Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke (two of my favourite narrators) did such a great job bringing these characters to life! I love audiobooks so much for the fact it’s like a movie playing out in my head!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Release Date: March 17 • Format: KU + Duet Audio
Source: Advanced Listener Copy via NetGalley
I received an Advanced Listener Copy from NetGalley and am reviewing voluntarily.
Louise Bay really surprised me with this one. I’ve read her before, but this felt like a fresh, more emotionally grounded version of her writing — in the best way. The story has heart, humor, and a level of character growth that pulled me in immediately.
Lucy is the little sister who’s spent her whole life being compared to her older sibling, even though her sister is actually her biggest supporter. It’s their mother who won’t let Lucy forget every childhood misstep, and those old narratives have followed her into adulthood. She’s a hardworking paralegal in New York, doing everything she can to make her sister’s wedding perfect while quietly doubting herself at every turn.
Then there’s Hunter , the fiancé’s best friend, business partner, and a man who is grumpy for reasons that actually make sense. He’s terrified of failing again after inheriting a sinking business from his father, and all that pressure spills into wedding‑planning season. He and Lucy clash immediately, and honestly, it’s delightful.
Their fake‑dating arc isn’t just a cute setup. It becomes a space where both of them confront the stories they’ve been carrying for years. He helps her see her worth. She helps him stop treating past failures like a prophecy. The spice is there, but the plot and emotional work are what make this story shine.
🎧 Audiobook Notes
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke ... and let me be honest: if Jason Clarke is narrating, I’m already listening. Automatic yes. These two have voiced other books together and always make a great team, but this duet performance really elevates the story. The chemistry, the tension, the emotional nuance… it all lands exactly where it should.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This might be my favorite Louise Bay title yet. It’s heartfelt, grounded, and full of growth that feels real. Once I started listening, I didn’t want to stop. Readers are going to have such an immersive, satisfying experience with this one.
Source: Advanced Listener Copy via NetGalley
I received an Advanced Listener Copy from NetGalley and am reviewing voluntarily.
Louise Bay really surprised me with this one. I’ve read her before, but this felt like a fresh, more emotionally grounded version of her writing — in the best way. The story has heart, humor, and a level of character growth that pulled me in immediately.
Lucy is the little sister who’s spent her whole life being compared to her older sibling, even though her sister is actually her biggest supporter. It’s their mother who won’t let Lucy forget every childhood misstep, and those old narratives have followed her into adulthood. She’s a hardworking paralegal in New York, doing everything she can to make her sister’s wedding perfect while quietly doubting herself at every turn.
Then there’s Hunter , the fiancé’s best friend, business partner, and a man who is grumpy for reasons that actually make sense. He’s terrified of failing again after inheriting a sinking business from his father, and all that pressure spills into wedding‑planning season. He and Lucy clash immediately, and honestly, it’s delightful.
Their fake‑dating arc isn’t just a cute setup. It becomes a space where both of them confront the stories they’ve been carrying for years. He helps her see her worth. She helps him stop treating past failures like a prophecy. The spice is there, but the plot and emotional work are what make this story shine.
🎧 Audiobook Notes
Narrated by Samantha Brentmoor and Jason Clarke ... and let me be honest: if Jason Clarke is narrating, I’m already listening. Automatic yes. These two have voiced other books together and always make a great team, but this duet performance really elevates the story. The chemistry, the tension, the emotional nuance… it all lands exactly where it should.
⭐ Final Thoughts
This might be my favorite Louise Bay title yet. It’s heartfelt, grounded, and full of growth that feels real. Once I started listening, I didn’t want to stop. Readers are going to have such an immersive, satisfying experience with this one.
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